Lucy Lawless’ directorial vision, NEVER LOOK AWAY, dives into the gritty reality of Margaret Moth, capturing her relentless spirit and undying courage. Moth, a New Zealand-born CNN cameraperson, navigated the battlefields of the 1990s, starting with the Desert Storm conflict. Lawless’ directorial eye moves beyond simple storytelling, immersing the audience in the complex depth of a woman whose life story is as intricate as the wars she documented.

From the first scene, SMILE AS YOU KILL defies the norms of indie thrillers, injecting a darkly humorous twist into its core. This clever concoction of comedy and tension grabs the audience right from the opening—a desperate man, gun in hand, pleading into the camera for life-saving funds. This stark and powerful image hooks viewers and sets the stage for a gritty exploration of ethical boundaries pushed to their limits. (I promise, some moments will make you laugh and then feel guilty about it.)

J.T. McGee's latest creation, ENTHRALLED, returns to the eerie, haunted landscapes he began exploring in THRALL. This sequel doesn’t pick up where its predecessor left off; it catapults the reader into a heightened whirlwind of supernatural stakes and intense emotional turmoil. McGee blends the terror of otherworldly horrors with the internal battles that come with confronting one’s darkest fears, creating a narrative that is as much a psychological exploration as the dark tale being told.

The "Road to..." series is a testament to the charm and ingenuity of classic Hollywood comedy. Over seven films, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour, and others wove a delightful journey of humor, music, and romance that defined the genre and entertained audiences for over two decades. With each installment, the series evolved yet maintained the spirited chemistry and playful irreverence that made it iconic.

OUR DAD, DANIELLE, tells its story in a way that captures the essence of an intimate journey. It blends personal struggles with broader societal issues in a way that hooks viewers from the start. This documentary explores identity and acceptance within the LGBTQIA2S+ community, set against political and personal challenges. Arguably, it is one of the most personal tales of identity I can remember watching.

In Los Angeles, where sunshine is the norm, rain transforms the landscape into a canvas of mystery and suspense. In the film WHEN IT RAINS IN LA, directed by David M. Parks and starring Monroe Cline, Leslie Stratton, Mike Ferguson, and Eric Roberts, the weather becomes more than a backdrop—it’s a catalyst for the unfolding enigmatic narrative that marries elements of horror, mystery, and a dash of camp.

The 1970s horror scene was unlike any other era in the genre. BLOOD AND LACE combined psychological thriller elements with sinister plot twists that transcend conventional slasher norms. This film pioneered genre-defining elements and created a unique eerie tension that grips and terrifies its audience. As it journeys through chilling atmospheres and twisted corridors, BLOOD AND LACE ensures its place as a cult classic, leaving a lasting impression of disturbance.

Philippe Mora's THE BEAST WITHIN carved a unique niche in the horror genre by exploring dark secrets and eerie transformations, reflecting the spirit of 1980s horror cinema. The film, driven by Tom Holland and Edward Levy’s script, delves into the complex tale of identity, monstrous inheritance, and the shadows lurking in human nature.

The art world is constantly evolving, and a new chapter began (or was reinvented) with the advent of NFTs. MINTED chronicles these changes, showcasing the surging and subsequent decline (and possible resurgence?) of the NFT phenomenon. Directed by Nicholas Bruckman, this documentary takes us through the digital art revolution, highlighting the new avenues it opens for artists and its challenges.

DALLAS, 2019, directed by Darius Clark Monroe, brings to life a city transforming just as a global pandemic looms around the corner. With a filmmaker's eye for drama and a journalist's attention to detail, Monroe captures the highs and lows of Dallas' inhabitants. This series paints a picture of urban resilience through the lens of civic leaders and everyday citizens.

ISABEL'S GARDEN offers viewers a storyline as layered and complex as the relationships it explores. This film delves into the life of Maya Carlile (Karen David,) whose unwavering career ambition is dramatically altered by the sudden death of her husband, Diego (Manuel Rafael Lozano.) Thrust into a new role as a stepmother to Isabel (Gabriela Flores,) her late husband's daughter, Maya finds herself navigating uncharted dynamics. The torn feelings further complicate the story by including Christina (Valery M. Ortiz), Diego’s ex-wife. This journey is further engulfed by Maya’s confrontation with Grace (Jayne Taini,) a character with plenty of secrets. The plot captures the challenges and intricacies of creating bonds not by blood but by choice. (believe it or not, the story is immensely personal, even with everything happening!)

In the lush spectacle that is LADY LIKE, we are whisked into the transformative life of Rex Wheeler, known on stage as Lady Camden, with a narrative that captures the essence of personal metamorphosis and artistic devotion. Directed by Luke Willis, the documentary does more than trace the steps of a performer; it paints a landscape of identity exploration and the relentless pursuit of one's voice against the crushing weight of expected societal norms.

Chantal Akerman's NO HOME MOVIE is a powerful, unflinching look at her mother Natalia's final days. This film strays far from the conventional documentary path to offer an authentic glimpse into the profound intimacy and inevitable detachment of approaching death. Here, Akerman does not sugarcoat or ease the viewer into a comfortable viewing experience; instead, she presents a stark reality filled with moments of silence that are as expressive as any dialogue. This is a film that you must be prepared for; make sure you’re in a good place before clicking play!

In the future of 3477, the classic narrative of Aladdin receives a bold transformation in ALADDIN 3477: THE JINN OF WISDOM. Under the direction of Matt Busch, this adventure retools an ancient tale into an odyssey across time and technology. Aladdin (Erik Steele), an ambitious orphan, encounters mystical allies and formidable challenges on his journey, making this film a blend of lore and vision.

Stepping into the foggy shadows of 1930s England, INVITATION TO A MURDER brings a new addition to the spellbinding aura of a whodunit mystery flick with a visual flair that promises much but delivers an uneven narrative pace. While it beautifully captures the period's atmospheric charm, the film sometimes stumbles, but if you like KNIVES OUT or the 1985 classic CLUE, you’ll likely enjoy it!

Venturing into the shadows of World War II, a documentary fascinates with its tale of valor and endurance. It traces the fate of a Japanese freighter, doomed by a torpedo strike in 1942, setting the stage for an exploration of human resilience. Central to its narrative is the heroic rescue by Chinese fishermen who, at great peril, saved British POWs from the icy clutches of the sea. This film reframes the wartime narrative, highlighting the often-missed acts of compassion and courage that unfold during the direst times.

I have a fond nostalgic connection to this film, but I don’t remember why. I must’ve watched it at a critical time in my film education, and I still love it! From the moment SNAKE EYES begins, it’s clear that visionary Brian De Palma has crafted a thriller that doesn’t just tell a story—it pulls you straight into its chaotic world. With Nicolas Cage as our lead, Rick Santoro, a brash and morally ambiguous detective, the movie thrives on high energy, slick visuals, and an exploration of power and deceit. Packed with suspense, intrigue, and a touch of the theatrical, this film walks a fine line between innovative and indulgent. Without question, the film has a very late 90s vibe, but this world has never looked better, thanks to this 4K presentation!

Arthur Dong's latest curated set from Kino Lorber is an ambitious foray into the lives and struggles of the Asian American and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. This collection isn’t just another series of documentaries; it’s a deep dive into history and identity through eight films, each bringing perspective on these underrepresented communities' social challenges and victories. This series provides a cinematic exploration of these rich narratives, demonstrating Dong’s ability to craft stories that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth.

LOCKERBIE: A SEARCH FOR TRUTH transports viewers back to a chilly December in 1988 when the skies over Lockerbie, Scotland, were scarred by tragedy. This is no ordinary retelling of history; it's an intense exploration of a profoundly personal catastrophe that propelled Dr. Jim Swire (Colin Firth) into the spotlight of advocacy and inquiry. This series cleverly twists the story of Swire's transformation from a typical doctor to a determined skeptic pitted against political manipulation and media distortion.

Set against the urban landscape, EXODOS unveils the tale of Hayley, a young woman ensnared in a life dictated by a criminal underworld. Writer/director Eleni Doucas guides us through a story rich with themes of transformation and the quest for autonomy. Hayley's internal conflict, pitted against the criminal world she considers family, prepares her to fight for a future unchained from her past's shadows.

In the depths of the American South, THE DEVIL AND THE DAYLONG BROTHERS emerges as a cinematic curiosity. This film, directed by Brandon McCormick, intertwines betrayal, vengeance, and dark family legacies with an unexpected musical twist. Its blend of Southern Gothic with striking musical sequences challenges conventional narrative expectations and elevates the experience.

Take a journey to the heartland of America in EXTRACTION, USA, where the gritty real-life dramas of the forgotten develop into a story of survival and defiance. This indie flick, directed by Mike Yonts and co-written by Peter Matsoukas, tells a compelling tale about Marni (Leanne Johnson) and Steph (Marlee Carpenter,) two women whose back-against-the-wall circumstances thrust them into the world of criminal endeavors. It's a raw, unflinching look at how individuals will forge a semblance of life from the scraps left by financial upheaval.

Delving into the wild 1960s, THE MILLION EYES OF SUMURU emerges as a creation of satire and intrigue, painting a stroke across the landscape of classic cinema. Directed by Lindsay Shonteff, this film swirls the campiness of the era with a unique spy narrative. Once the golden girl of the classic James Bond thriller GOLDFINGER, Shirley Eaton transforms into Sumuru, the architect of a daring plot to dismantle male-dominated power structures. Although the film attempts to subvert traditional gender roles, it often misses the mark, sidelining more profound narrative potential in favor of surface-level spectacle.

Get ready as the curtain is pulled back on the second season of HORROR’S GREATEST. It quickly becomes apparent that this installment somehow exceeds the first season. This season not only revisits the shadow-laden corridors of classic horror but also dives beyond the surface-level clip show, infusing each segment with deeper insight and a richer palette of terror. It's not just a collection of horror highlights; it's a refined look at the psychological underpinnings that make us shudder in delight.

From its opening moments, DAAAAAALÍ! establishes itself as a wild, unpredictable celebration of creativity that shatters expectations of traditional storytelling. Quentin Dupieux, known for his offbeat approach to cinema, uses the surrealist legacy of Salvador Dalí as a canvas for a film that feels more like a fever dream than a biography. The crazy title hints at the playful absurdity within a decision as bold as the film. What emerges is less a linear recounting of the artist’s life and more an exploration of the chaotic and fantastical spirit that defined him.